Criminal Investigator Career
A criminal investigator career provides the opportunity to work with ideas, research facts, gather information, effectively collaborate with other professionals and determine if events or processes comply with laws, regulations or standards. This type of work may not be a good fit for everyone, but a career in criminal investigation offers its own set of unique rewards.
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Criminal Investigator
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Criminal investigators typically choose an area of concentration and expertise, such as felony drug crime investigation. In general, job responsibilities for a criminal investigator include examining records, assisting the prosecution with preparation of pretrial evidence, conducting investigations on felony and misdemeanor trials, operating law-enforcement equipment and testifying in court about obtained pretrial evidence. A criminal investigator needs to be persistent and cooperative with others, including accepting criticism. Calmly managing high-stress situations is also important for success in this career.
Obtaining and verifying evidence by interviewing and observing suspects, witnesses and records is part of a criminal investigator career. In addition, recording evidence and documents using cameras and other equipment is required. Preparation of reports that detail investigation findings, collaboration with other offices and testifying before juries concerning criminal activity investigations are part of a criminal investigator career. The average annual salary for a criminal investigator is approximately $65,000.
Career Considerations
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A criminal investigator works whenever and wherever the crime occurs. That means no set daily hours and includes day and night requirements, as well as indoor and outdoor settings. A criminal investigator has to be able to tolerate researching violent situations, including working with dead bodies. A benefit of this career is the lack of routine and diverse projects.
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Team Effort
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No criminal investigator works alone on a case, therefore collaborative efforts include working with forensic engineers, crime-scene examiners, psychologists, social scientists, statisticians, police and technical analysts. A solid team of experts is typically necessary to successfully solve a case.
Education
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A bachelor's degree is generally required for a career in criminal investigation. However several degree options are possible, such as criminal investigations, natural science, law enforcement, crime-scene processing, criminal justice, forensic archeology and psychology. A strong science background provides an advantage to a criminal investigation career by providing research and science methods and techniques.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Criminal investigation knowledge includes government regulations, laws, legal codes, court procedures, agency rules, public safety and security procedures and computer and equipment knowledge. Skills needed include writing, judgment and decision-making, complex problem solving, social perceptiveness and active listening. A successful criminal investigator will be able to combine information to form a conclusion, recognize problems and communicate effectively.
Additional Notes
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A criminal investigator works in the justice system, which is strict. Any previous criminal activities or record will prevent a candidate from entering into this career. Hard work, critical thinking and dedication typically provides successful results for criminal investigator careers..
Related Occupations
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Other occupations closely related to criminal investigator include Internal Revenue Service special agent, crime-scene investigators, Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, detective, police officer, insurance investigator, licensing inspector and immigration inspector.
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References
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